Speak out for safe access to medical cannabis in Utah

Ask Gov. Herbert to allow home delivery.

As coronavirus has dramatically changed life across the country, MPP and our allies have been working to ensure medical cannabis patients can safely access their medicine. Unfortunately, Utah is one of the few states that hasn’t stepped up to ensure safe access to medical cannabis.

Because Gov. Herbert hasn’t issued a stay-at-home order, Utah has not issued a list of “essential businesses.” If it does so, we’ll want to ensure medical cannabis businesses are included and allowed to remain open. Meanwhile, other states have gone further: Some have begun allowing home delivery and telemedicine recommendations to avoid unnecessary interpersonal contact. Others have extended certifications’ expiration dates and eased the process for staffing up as more workers have to stay home — due to children or their health.

Please take a few minutes to let Gov. Herbert know you want him to follow suit. Urge him to deem medical cannabis businesses “essential,” to allow home delivery during the crisis, and to otherwise make temporary modifications to the medical cannabis program to ensure patients have the medicines they depend on. You can go the extra mile by spreading the word to others, calling his office at 801-538-1000, or making an appeal on Twitter.

We also have some good news to share: In March, the legislature passed, and the governor signed, HB 425. This new law allows patients to access medical cannabis with a simple letter from their physicians, rather than having to get an ID card. Recommendations will expire at the year’s end, at which time ID cards are required.

Thank you for your compassion! We wish you and your loved ones well during these difficult times.